MLB The Show 19 Gameplay Video - 47 Minutes of March to October (IGN)

MLB The Show 19 Gameplay Video - 47 Minutes of March to October (IGN)

IGN has posted another MLB The Show 19 gameplay video. This one features 47 minutes of gameplay, from the brand new mode, March to October, with Sony San Diego designer Ramone Russell.

March to October allows players to experience all of the excitement of your teams season, in less time, by having you play on the seasons key games and moments

Your performance in these games really count, as the outcome will impact a teams momentum factor, that in-turn, influences how your team performs in the simulated games that happen in between the ones you play

Starting your March to October – Choose a franchise: Teams are divided into 4 expectation tiers – Favorites, Contenders, Underdogs and Longshots

Next you choose a difficulty level – Depending on what you select, will determine which rewards package you will earn, if you take your team to a World Series championship

Over 100 unique team themed rewards available, the harder the difficulty, the better your reward

Action begins in the middle to late innings of your opening day matchup, after playing the game to its end, you will be shown how the outcome has affected the team momentum

As you watch the calendar advance to your next key game, you will notice the outcomes of the simulated games are influenced by the positive or negative momentum you earned previously

Through the repetition of game flow, you will be delivered from episode to episode with maximum action and intrigue and minimal menu interfacing

In most episodes you will play as the whole team, but there are select player lock episodes

You could be asked to execute a key duty from a GM

As you progress through the season, unique narrative commentary will progressively and dynamically unfold to the story of your clubs campaign

Content will vary based not only on how your season is going, but also on how your teams performance compares to what was expected entering the season

This fast paced mode is all about getting your team to the postseason and beyond

So it's no editable rosters, as the slightly scary looking announcer lady has a lot more preloaded build up about the team than I expected. Doesn't look like you make any roster decisions either, just play the moments it generates

This mode is intriguing. But a few questions I have still left unanswered. Will their be injuries in this mode and if so will they effect the story lines? Will roster management such as lineups and call ups be handled by the cpu or user? Let's say I start one with the dbacks on veteran like he streamer did. Will every single opening day game start with 2 hits a piece and 0-0 score or does his change dynamically?

I skipped through most of it just to see if there's anything huge I'm missing, and toward the end Ramone mentioned that the mode will send you into Franchise mode if you win the World Series, which is cool I guess
This mode is basically encouraging you to play with all 30 teams in this mode at least once just to get to know a team better, which is also cool
However, based on what I know (which admittedly isn't all that much), it seems as though the dev team sat down to brainstorm what to do with franchise and then ended up coming up with this mode, which on the surface is very not good, but I have some hope that the sort of deeper or more intimate experience you have with a team that March to October seems to be going for will bleed into franchise mode.
TL;DR I've been saying this a lot, but Thursday's stream is going to be the make or break moment for me, and this video gives me a little bit of hope I won't be completely let down

Listening to the first couple of minutes of Ramone explaining why they've made the mode is incredibly depressing for a franchise player.

No doubt big Oscar. "Our reasearch shows us that most players just want to sim to the playoffs". Really? Where did you guys find this "research"? I don't think most players play franchise to just sim to the playoffs without being able to make any roster moves or call ups

I like the new dynamic pre pitch camera angles. Hope they are in for all modes. But I also see myself stepping off of the rubber often, as I might not know what pitch I want to throw until I see the hot and cold zones for a batter.

Hey, it does look like this mode could funnel a few people into Franchise since, if you win (curious that it is just if you win), the game will kick you into Franchise. So, it is kind a prelude to franchise as long as your good with starting the actual franchise in 2020 instead of 2019.
I know Franchise people are going to possibly hate on it but I kind of think it is smart. If this mode was franchise specific then fewer people would play it but since it is considered it's own mode and is listed on the main menu I am guessing more people play it. Even if a fraction of those who finish it advance their team to franchise then it is a means of trying to draw players into that mode.

So, if a win determines outcome of sims (I would guess the outcomes would be more positive), then, e.g., two lousy losses in a row will result in poor sim results? So, the outcomes are basically in the hands of the computer depending on how well you may have played a game?

Heavily dislike the shield icons under the fielders. Makes it look too much like a video game and on the blocked ball by the catcher it actually obstructs the view of the ball on the ground.
Hoping they can be disabled.
Would much rather have had the ring icon for the controlled player be different colors based off of skill, perhaps.

I might be reading too much into it, even if I'm not interested in this mode (100% offline franchise guy), I think this is a smart move.
My hope is SDS Devs know franchise has been staled for a few years & they need a justification (aka more players playing it) to update it. Redirecting the traffic into this mode might be our hope so SDS executives give their approbation to work on it for MLBTS20.
One can dream!

Hey, it does look like this mode could funnel a few people into Franchise since, if you win (curious that it is just if you win), the game will kick you into Franchise. So, it is kind a prelude to franchise as long as your good with starting the actual franchise in 2020 instead of 2019.
I know Franchise people are going to possibly hate on it but I kind of think it is smart. If this mode was franchise specific then fewer people would play it but since it is considered it's own mode and is listed on the main menu I am guessing more people play it. Even if a fraction of those who finish it advance their team to franchise then it is a means of trying to draw players into that mode.

No doubt big Oscar. "Our reasearch shows us that most players just want to sim to the playoffs". Really? Where did you guys find this "research"? I don't think most players play franchise to just sim to the playoffs without being able to make any roster moves or call ups

If a game developer tells me that I will control one team and once I'm eliminated from the playoffs the rest of the year is simmed, that game is not for me. I stayed away from Madden for years because you couldn't watch the superbowl. I got out of the NHL series because you couldn't view the stanley cup finals.
I watch the Yankees; I watch MLB playoffs and WS even when the Yanks are eliminated. If their research is telling them single player/single team is the direction they may go in, then I'll be staying away from the Show in the future too.

I really wanna know where this "research" is coming from. They keep talking about it, but it's just this generic idea out there, given with no context. Ramone mentions this mode "was the most positively received feature" they have ever done, based on play-testing and research. Again, who are these people testing and providing "research"?
The mode itself is OK, I guess...but it's the complete opposite of Franchise mode/Season Mode. Quick moments, no menus, no roster management (outside of in-game changes), no full games until the playoffs. Seems the focus on creating newness for this series is trending more to the shorter attention spans...

So, if a win determines outcome of sims (I would guess the outcomes would be more positive), then, e.g., two lousy losses in a row will result in poor sim results? So, the outcomes are basically in the hands of the computer depending on how well you may have played a game?

That seems to be the case positive momentum seems like it will give your team some type of boost for the simmed games while negative momentum probably has some type of negative modifier for simmed games.
The Diamondbacks went 7-0 to start the season here but Ramone has stated that in all the times that he has played the mode and won the first game that he never went 7-0. So there will still be variation.
Question becomes whether, if you win all your games, even as the worst teams are you guaranteed to make the playoffs.
Since you play full games for the playoffs then it becomes more traditional.

Hey, it does look like this mode could funnel a few people into Franchise since, if you win (curious that it is just if you win), the game will kick you into Franchise. So, it is kind a prelude to franchise as long as your good with starting the actual franchise in 2020 instead of 2019.
I know Franchise people are going to possibly hate on it but I kind of think it is smart. If this mode was franchise specific then fewer people would play it but since it is considered it's own mode and is listed on the main menu I am guessing more people play it. Even if a fraction of those who finish it advance their team to franchise then it is a means of trying to draw players into that mode.

It's interesting indeed, as it seems March to October and Franchise modes could not be any farther apart in terms who they would appeal to. I could see someone who loves playing March to October hopping into Franchise after being funneled into it, and feeling completely overwhelmed and/or bored...but I do like the idea of getting more players into Franchise Mode, for sure.

Based on what Ramone said, it does seem like they allocated some guys to finding out what to do to improve franchise mode, but based on their research, what they ended up doing was making a completely different mode instead. (which is pretty much the polar opposite of franchise mode)

Even if a only a small percentage try franchise after this mode it is a positive right? More people playing franchise can only help the cause.
And in spite of what Ramone says, I think it is a separate mode only because storylines will be hard to pull off in a mode that allows for fantasy drafts, legend players, trades, promotions and demotions.
It would have to be very general in its implementation to cover all of the different scenarios that can happen in a franchise season. The branches to the storylines would be practically endless.

I see alot of people saying "Well more people for franchise mode can only help right?"
What about the people that are simply not going to get the game and are going to stick with last years version? There is no reason to upgrade for many franchise players, so will they account for those in there "research" also? The mode has been stale for awhile with very minimal upgrades. Wasting time on this does not help.

And in spite of what Ramone says, I think it is a separate mode only because storylines will be hard to pull off in a mode that allows for fantasy drafts, legend players, trades, promotions and demotions

This is a very good point. Those are a ton of variables to cover in a 12 month cycle.

Typically as a franchise only player, I was initially not excited for this mode. After this video, I may give it a go and then start a new franchise at the end of it. That is if I can pull.myself away from my 2016 carryover Tigers franchise.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I like the "continue next season in franchise mode angle". The hardest thing to do in franchise mode (for all games) is to get the ball rolling on the storylines. Regardless of the game, it can take a quarter of the season to start to get a feel for who your surprises are going to be, who your disappointments are, and the overall direction you really want to go in. I have a bad tendency to want to restart franchises while I am waiting for something to develop.
This mode has the ability to jump-start that franchise storyline in a much shorter period of time. When you start in year 2, you have built a history with your team, you have story arcs already started, you're going to be that much more vested into your franchise. Immersion isn't about having 70+ menu screens to scroll through or 1000 different stats to look at - immersion comes from caring about your story, caring about your players, and wanting to see how the next chapter unfolds.
I had been debating on doing a franchise using a 2019 team with a stock roster (but killed the idea as I have a Reds franchise I am carrying over, will be doing a full fictional roster franchise, and still have Moments and DD to play). But knowing I can now dive into a new franchise and make some serious headway on developing that story in a much shorter amount of time...that is REALLY darn cool!
RIP to all my other games come March 26.

I like the "continue next season in franchise mode angle". The hardest thing to do in franchise mode (for all games) is to get the ball rolling on the storylines. Regardless of the game, it can take a quarter of the season to start to get a feel for who your surprises are going to be, who your disappointments are, and the overall direction you really want to go in. I have a bad tendency to want to restart franchises while I am waiting for something to develop.
This mode has the ability to jump-start that franchise storyline in a much shorter period of time. When you start in year 2, you have built a history with your team, you have story arcs already started, you're going to be that much more vested into your franchise. Immersion isn't about having 70+ menu screens to scroll through or 1000 different stats to look at - immersion comes from caring about your story, caring about your players, and wanting to see how the next chapter unfolds.
I had been debating on doing a franchise using a 2019 team with a stock roster (but killed the idea as I have a Reds franchise I am carrying over, will be doing a full fictional roster franchise, and still have Moments and DD to play). But knowing I can now dive into a new franchise and make some serious headway on developing that story in a much shorter amount of time...that is REALLY darn cool!
RIP to all my other games come March 26.

Yeah but you have no custom rosters or real life prospects. I just can't see myself getting that excited about SCEA generic generated prospects. I will stick with franchise and a certain roster set when it drops. Unless SCEA is hiding a trick up their sleeve and someone secured the rights to at least the top 100 ala MVP '06. Hey, a guy can hope right?
However I will be giving this mode a go until the rosters drop.

Some of you are acting like this is replacing franchise. Calm down. You still have your precious franchise. Personally I think this mode sounds great. Just because they did research and made a new mode that doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean they are ruining the game.

I love the new pre-pitch camera angles. Watney’s commentary seemed generic enough that I think she can be implemented in franchise mode, which would be a good thing. The mode itself looks fun as a couple day one and done thing, but I’m worried about not being able to adjust the lineups, sometimes the cpu can come up with some bad lineups. Also without being able to load custom rosters, I wouldn’t want to continue into franchise with this.

Yeah but you have no custom rosters or real life prospects. I just can't see myself getting that excited about SCEA generic generated prospects. I will stick with franchise and a certain roster set when it drops. Unless SCEA is hiding a trick up their sleeve and someone secured the rights to at least the top 100 ala MVP '06. Hey, a guy can hope right

Also, what happens with all the stuff that was taken out due to the "streamlining"? Did players improve/regress in that year? Did my prospects? Was there are draft? Were there other trades, free agency etc etc etc
I'm a bit confused as to how it really would work carrying over into a franchise tbh, or that it would really encourage more people to play franchise.
Are many people picking a mode because it's quick, has no menus and has in built storylines really going to start playing something that's the complete opposite of that just because you put them in it after finishing their season? Seems unlikely to me

Some of you are acting like this is replacing franchise. Calm down. You still have your precious franchise. Personally I think this mode sounds great. Just because they did research and made a new mode that doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean they are ruining the game.

This is type type of comment that is not needed yet continues to happen just like the completely negative comments.

Damn, I really liked that video... Gonna be a long 3 weeks!
But I think this mode could be really cool to take a team like the Marlins and see what I can do.
Just don't like that we can't call prospects up and such... Would be cool to have me call up say Monte Harrison and play his MLB debut.
And I REALLY, REALLY hope the Heidi Watney stuff is in Franchise! Her doing those storylines would add sooooooo much to Franchise!

Yeah but you have no custom rosters or real life prospects. I just can't see myself getting that excited about SCEA generic generated prospects. I will stick with franchise and a certain roster set when it drops. Unless SCEA is hiding a trick up their sleeve and someone secured the rights to at least the top 100 ala MVP '06. Hey, a guy can hope right?
However I will be giving this mode a go until the rosters drop.

That's what is bugging me in this mode, to play with Joe Random at 3b and a few Legends as RP. Remember what happened with Play Now. Hope they found a way to workaround this.

No doubt big Oscar. "Our reasearch shows us that most players just want to sim to the playoffs". Really? Where did you guys find this "research"? I don't think most players play franchise to just sim to the playoffs without being able to make any roster moves or call ups

Isn't that why they added the Postseason mode? Or did they take that out of 18?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

Some of you are acting like this is replacing franchise. Calm down. You still have your precious franchise. Personally I think this mode sounds great. Just because they did research and made a new mode that doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean they are ruining the game.

I bet when you wrote this comment you were proud of yourself. You probably thought it was going to be applauded and well liked. Didn't you?
Lol

From what Ramon said about the cutscenes it seems that they will be in every mode since he states they can be turned off in the options menu. Really hoping the dugout celebrations and Heidi make it over to franchise, could be just the push I need to pick up this years version

Damn, I really liked that video... Gonna be a long 3 weeks!
But I think this mode could be really cool to take a team like the Marlins and see what I can do.
Just don't like that we can't call prospects up and such... Would be cool to have me call up say Monte Harrison and play his MLB debut.
And I REALLY, REALLY hope the Heidi Watney stuff is in Franchise! Her doing those storylines would add sooooooo much to Franchise!

I agree with your sentiment. If I could upload a custom roster say "OSFM". And that there was just generic commentary from Heidi such as "the rookie was called up on may 5th, and immediately helped reverse his teams fortunes", it would provide a lot more replayability for me

I feel a lot better about this mode than I did yesterday when it was introduced.
Let's get this out of the way - I don't expect there are going to be large franchise mode announcements made in the stream. But that wouldn't mean that they've forgotten or are trying to sweep aside the mode - in fact, what I heard today tells me the opposite. They are trying to get MORE people to play franchise through this mode, and that to me can mean only one thing - they need more people to play it so they can justify improving/expanding it to the higher-ups.
We'll see what's announced on Thursday regarding franchise, but if your sole interest is that mode, it might be a good idea to sit this one out and see how things develop for '20. If this attracts new people to franchise as I believe is the devs' vision, there could be big upgrades in store.
For me at least, the mode is interesting as it kind of mirrors how I play franchise (although I do usually play every game) - minimal control of stuff happening off-the-field. The momentum aspect looks like it could be a bit overdone, but we'll see how that shakes out over time.
Couple of things I can guess on based on the fact that there are rewards involved:
No custom rosters or player editing
No sliders - default difficulty levels only
Either of those would make it too easy to abuse the mode for rewards.

I agree with your sentiment. If I could upload a custom roster say "OSFM". And that there was just generic commentary from Heidi such as "the rookie was called up on may 5th, and immediately helped reverse his teams fortunes", it would provide a lot more replayability for me

Yes, that would be huge!!!
But unfortunately I don't think this is the case as Ramone said in the video... Screens and such are very limited or something like that.

No doubt big Oscar. "Our reasearch shows us that most players just want to sim to the playoffs". Really? Where did you guys find this "research"? I don't think most players play franchise to just sim to the playoffs without being able to make any roster moves or call ups

Yeah but you have no custom rosters or real life prospects. I just can't see myself getting that excited about SCEA generic generated prospects. I will stick with franchise and a certain roster set when it drops. Unless SCEA is hiding a trick up their sleeve and someone secured the rights to at least the top 100 ala MVP '06. Hey, a guy can hope right?
However I will be giving this mode a go until the rosters drop.

I can see that being a killer for a lot of people. I mean, heck, that was me as recently as last year. But I have a full minors roster franchise I am carrying over and didn't want to do another one. Frankly, using a new full minors roster every year has gotten stale for me.
I've been toying around with some test 'chises on 18 using the stock roster and it breathes so much more depth into franchise. The HUGE advantage of default SDS rosters; you don't know anything about most of those guys in the minors. No preconceptions, no biases, you're running straight off of the numbers (like the CPU) or a combo of the numbers and "feel" of a player. You have to dig more into guys and take time to really learn farm systems again (cough....immersion....cough). It also alters the farm system dynamics....which quickly transforms "real life" to "your own universe". Totally not for everyone, but it has been surprisingly fun...I can't wait to do my "real" one starting with this new mode.

Couple of things I can guess on based on the fact that there are rewards involved:
No custom rosters or player editing
No sliders - default difficulty levels only
Either of those would make it too easy to abuse the mode for rewards.

I do understand that part though. But, is there any like me who plays for the fun of it and don't care for rewards ? Everything now is oriented so you win XP points, stubs, virtual bubble heads, a legend card I'm not using at all in my franchise. I don't care and get no satisfaction with XP or stubs or whatever but I think that mode would be fun to play with a custom OSFM roster or some legendary ones.
I should be too old style for this video games era :skillz:

After watching the 47 min video, I'm actually pretty intrigued by this mode. Hear me out...
You can play through to jump start into your franchise (since at the end of March to October you can roll into Franchise). For a rebuilding team I think this would help get you into the future faster, closer to contention.
But I do have some questions, can you draft in March to October (I assume not with limited menus) but does that mean you'll forfeit your draft picks if you go into Franchise mode at the end?
Or will you restart 2019 in Franchise mode?
Or are they auto drafted?
I think for me, I'll try this mode but on it's own and I'll also do a separate Franchise mode.
However this mode does look fun if you want to try out different teams without much commitment.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

My preference, if they weren’t simply going to reinstate season mode, would have been to let the player continue with their chosen team from the current day in the season. Like in NBA 2k. Try to change the course of the season based on current standings.
Does this mean they’ve removed Playoffs mode as well, seeing as it sounds like this mode is catering to those players.

Even if a only a small percentage try franchise after this mode it is a positive right? More people playing franchise can only help the cause.
.

So you think after these new people start playing franchise mode SDS will start implementing more things we want like Expansion/relocation, more stat tracking, single A teams, ect?
I think the opposite will happen and SDS will cater to these people more and more. The new people will feel that franchise mode is already too complicated so not only will they not add new features they will start dumbing it down and remove things.

There's a PS blog talking about MTO, there's a short clip of GM and Player specific missions... Shows 3 minor league players.
Would love to get confirmation on if we can use custom rosters (OSFM) in this mode.

There's a PS blog talking about MTO, there's a short clip of GM and Player specific missions... Shows 3 minor league players.
Would love to get confirmation on if we can use custom rosters (OSFM) in this mode.

It looks like it won’t be my main mode. But I do 30 Team Control and always like to play random games and play big time moments.
When Critical Moments were first introduced I was planning on making that into a MLB Tonight feature that bounces around all games going on that night and playing the big moments.
It doesn’t quite work out that way but it’d be be fun to play big time moments with teams I don’t normally play with.
Also the rewards sound like they won’t be too extravagant. No big name DD cards or equipment, just profile icons and bat skins. Which is disappointing
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I don't know what the hell you guys are talking about when you say "convince the higher ups to put resources into franchise". This makes no sense to me.
Didn't the devs say that they key on modes in cycles of 3 years? Meaning the franchise cycle is coming soon, likely 2020. I don't think they have to funnel players into the mode to prove its viability.
To me this new mode is similar to 'easier to navigate menus' from last year. They are trying to make the game idiot proof and appeal to the casual player who doesn't understand how to properly work franchise mode.
It is pretty much spitting in the faces of the franchise guys as they are trying to attract new customers with this dog**** mode rather than improve the mode that so many dedicated players have been yearning for over the last few years, FRANCHISE!

I see nothing has changed in the presentation style.. opening day and Flores celebrates a single hit blooper with no runners on. and 2 out like he just hit the world series walk off run in game 7. that is the biggest issue I have with the presentation of the game. it doesn't know when to balance out where and what kind of celebrations there are

I see nothing has changed in the presentation style.. opening day and Flores celebrates a single hit blooper with no runners on. and 2 out like he just hit the world series walk off run in game 7. that is the biggest issue I have with the presentation of the game. it doesn't know when to balance out where and what kind of celebrations there are

Yeah. I think everyone who watched that video picked up on that lol. Way over the top

No doubt big Oscar. "Our reasearch shows us that most players just want to sim to the playoffs". Really? Where did you guys find this "research"? I don't think most players play franchise to just sim to the playoffs without being able to make any roster moves or call ups

I too would like to know as it is a head scratcher for me too.

MrArlingtonBeach

I really wanna know where this "research" is coming from. They keep talking about it, but it's just this generic idea out there, given with no context. Ramone mentions this mode "was the most positively received feature" they have ever done, based on play-testing and research. Again, who are these people testing and providing "research"?
The mode itself is OK, I guess...but it's the complete opposite of Franchise mode/Season Mode. Quick moments, no menus, no roster management (outside of in-game changes), no full games until the playoffs. Seems the focus on creating newness for this series is trending more to the shorter attention spans...

Again..head scratcher

ninertravel

I see nothing has changed in the presentation style.. opening day and Flores celebrates a single hit blooper with no runners on. and 2 out like he just hit the world series walk off run in game 7. that is the biggest issue I have with the presentation of the game. it doesn't know when to balance out where and what kind of celebrations there are

I agree. I also heard same repeated commentary as last year. I do hope they have improved in those areas.

as I said before if there are people out there that just wanna sim to the playoffs. why don't they just use the post season mode? I mean seriously you can't be serious on this reason. OR did they take out the post season mode altogether like they did with season mode?? COULD be possible?
With this being locked to the default roster and you can only control ONE team. makes this mode just well .... very limited.
that makes me very nervous for the future of franchise that they may pull a EA with madden and take out the 30 team control. just hope they don't tear down franchise. just keep it and improve it.
Also 7-0 start because of winning opening day?? that momentum shift is gonna be over the top

as I said before if there are people out there that just wanna sim to the playoffs. why don't they just use the post season mode? I mean seriously you can't be serious on this reason. OR did they take out the post season mode altogether like they did with season mode?? COULD be possible?
With this being locked to the default roster and you can only control ONE team. makes this mode just well .... very limited.
that makes me very nervous for the future of franchise that they may pull a EA with madden and take out the 30 team control. just hope they don't tear down franchise. just keep it and improve it.
Also 7-0 start because of winning opening day?? that momentum shift is gonna be over the top

Ramone said that 7-0 was the only time that happened.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Good video, the mode could be interesting but there is a disconnect for me with this. This mode which is aimed at people that don’t have a ton of time play and if they are successful get launched into franchise which is extremely time consuming. It would make sense to launch you into some type of franchise light scenario.

I see nothing has changed in the presentation style.. opening day and Flores celebrates a single hit blooper with no runners on. and 2 out like he just hit the world series walk off run in game 7. that is the biggest issue I have with the presentation of the game. it doesn't know when to balance out where and what kind of celebrations there are

I’d be interested in continuing into Franchise mode if I could use an OSFM roster with minor leaguers. Without that I’ll just finish at the end of the season.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I can see that being a killer for a lot of people. I mean, heck, that was me as recently as last year. But I have a full minors roster franchise I am carrying over and didn't want to do another one. Frankly, using a new full minors roster every year has gotten stale for me.
I've been toying around with some test 'chises on 18 using the stock roster and it breathes so much more depth into franchise. The HUGE advantage of default SDS rosters; you don't know anything about most of those guys in the minors. No preconceptions, no biases, you're running straight off of the numbers (like the CPU) or a combo of the numbers and "feel" of a player. You have to dig more into guys and take time to really learn farm systems again (cough....immersion....cough). It also alters the farm system dynamics....which quickly transforms "real life" to "your own universe". Totally not for everyone, but it has been surprisingly fun...I can't wait to do my "real" one starting with this new mode.

I was thinking of running my franchise this way this year. But I want to run a Toronto franchise and ... I mean... Vladdy Jr. ...come on..
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I really wanna know where this "research" is coming from. They keep talking about it, but it's just this generic idea out there, given with no context. Ramone mentions this mode "was the most positively received feature" they have ever done, based on play-testing and research. Again, who are these people testing and providing "research"?
The mode itself is OK, I guess...but it's the complete opposite of Franchise mode/Season Mode. Quick moments, no menus, no roster management (outside of in-game changes), no full games until the playoffs. Seems the focus on creating newness for this series is trending more to the shorter attention spans...

I agree and my critique is they tend to listen to the wrong people. I never sim anything in franchise until and unless my team is eliminated from the playoffs.
Franchise is perfectly playable but there is still a list of improvements to be made. I guess we will find out later this week - or when we get the game - what changes were made to franchise.
Not bashing the game or the devs but with franchise being offline only I'm curious how exactly they know how we play the game.

I was thinking of running my franchise this way this year. But I want to run a Toronto franchise and ... I mean... Vladdy Jr. ...come on..
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

And that right there is the number 1 problem with this mode.. I am wondering how far back the default roster will go with this too. will they even have Bryce harper on the default roster?? seeing that signing was so late, I am sure they will because he is a cover boy. but is it the default roster on the disk we can only use?? or is it the latest updated roster from SDS? if we could just load in any roster what is stopping us from making all players 99s with a underdog team.

I know you like to hop into your agenda posting as quickly as possible at all times but just try and read the posts a little bit please.
They weren't talking about this mode. They were talking about how they play franchise (also very off topic).
If you understood that, and wanted to comment on this mode alone, that's fine, just don't quote someone who is talking about franchise mode. It's important in order to avoid confusion.
Thank you.

I know you like to hop into your agenda posting as quickly as possible at all times but just try and read the posts a little bit please.
They weren't talking about this mode. They were talking about how they play franchise (also very off topic).
If you understood that, and wanted to comment on this mode alone, that's fine, just don't quote someone who is talking about franchise mode. It's important in order to avoid confusion.
Thank you.

i read that post as he wanted to start that mode using Vlad Jr which you can't do if you load it with the default roster. Sorry. just re read it and my bad I can see the confusion.
it does lead to a point though about if someone wanted to do that.

One of the selling points of the mode is storylines, but notice in the second playable game after the Diamondbacks went 7-0, the sideline reporter is going on about needing a win for the home opener....
To me that is a bad sign. Starting a season 7-0, is incredibly rare and newsworthy. This just shows there are a limited amount of storylines that at best will capture generically what is going on with your team, not specifically.
If the Diamondbacks went 0-7, I am sure it would be the same storyline.

Didn't the devs say that they key on modes in cycles of 3 years? Meaning the franchise cycle is coming soon, likely 2020. I don't think they have to funnel players into the mode to prove its viability.

They stated in 2017 that they do. And that they were finishing their DD 3 year plan started in 15 and were starting step one of their Rtts cycle. The way they stated it made it seem like franchise year one would start in 2018...that didn't happen.
2015: DD y1
2016: DD y2
2017: DD y3 / Rtts y1
2018: Rtts y2 / Fran y1
2019: Rtts y3 / Fran y2
2020: Fran y3
That's what I had assumed would happen.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

One of the selling points of the mode is storylines, but notice in the second playable game after the Diamondbacks went 7-0, the sideline reporter is going on about needing a win for the home opener....
To me that is a bad sign. Starting a season 7-0, is incredibly rare and newsworthy. This just shows there are a limited amount of storylines that at best will capture generically what is going on with your team, not specifically.
If the Diamondbacks went 0-7, I am sure it would be the same storyline.

I understand your point of view and the context, But Heidi was saying they need to win for the "fans" in the home opener and that my friend was what she was refering to the fans at home, not their fast start.

And what I am saying is for every team, regardless of their record, Heidi is going to say the exact same thing after 7 games. That is a problem.
For the winning streak not to be mentioned...its a problem.
Saying they need to win for the fans at home? That is a problem. They are 7-0. I think all the fans would understand if they lost. It just doesn't make sense.

i was going to skip this year or wait until june but with heidi on the game that
is a nice add
i wouild had used her talent in a diff way made a 2-min verion of mlb tonight or quick pitch in fran mode
maybe for this year have her teach the game of baseball to casiul fans or kids
she is a very talented and smart woman a Rhodes scholar and she has a instering back story about what the job of a sidelinereporter does etc

I feel a lot better about this mode than I did yesterday when it was introduced.
Let's get this out of the way - I don't expect there are going to be large franchise mode announcements made in the stream. But that wouldn't mean that they've forgotten or are trying to sweep aside the mode - in fact, what I heard today tells me the opposite. They are trying to get MORE people to play franchise through this mode, and that to me can mean only one thing - they need more people to play it so they can justify improving/expanding it to the higher-ups.
We'll see what's announced on Thursday regarding franchise, but if your sole interest is that mode, it might be a good idea to sit this one out and see how things develop for '20. If this attracts new people to franchise as I believe is the devs' vision, there could be big upgrades in store.
For me at least, the mode is interesting as it kind of mirrors how I play franchise (although I do usually play every game) - minimal control of stuff happening off-the-field. The momentum aspect looks like it could be a bit overdone, but we'll see how that shakes out over time.
Couple of things I can guess on based on the fact that there are rewards involved:
No custom rosters or player editing
No sliders - default difficulty levels only
Either of those would make it too easy to abuse the mode for rewards.

I haven't watched this latest video yet, but after reading most of the comments here about it, I'm actually getting excited. Or maybe not excited, necessarily, but I anticipate there will be updates to franchise mode that we haven't seen yet.
If they are indeed using this mode to push people toward franchise, I would expect that to mean at least two things:
1. There will be quality of life updates for franchise mode. They emphasized that with DD, so we know they were already in the QOL mindset. Now this mode is being used (theoretically) as a way to lure new players into franchise. Those new players aren't probably going to be attracted by the tedium that sometimes comes with parts of the mode. My hope: Scouting is improved (extremely tedious to do yourself, ineffective to have on auto) and things like resigning minor leaguers is quicker.
2. This is step one in a long-term plan for franchise mode. If March to October works well, we could see franchise mode expanded with story lines in the future. That has the potential to be really cool if done correctly (and to do it correctly, it probably needs more than a single year of development, and MtO is a good way to take a small step in that direction).

Believe it or not, this video made me a little more optimistic about the future of Franchise. March to October will be the franchise mode for casuals, while Classic Franchise Mode would be the mode for the hardcore players. March to October gets features casuals enjoy, while Franchise gets features hardcore players enjoy. They'll finally stop streamlining and dumbing down Franchise.

I haven't watched this latest video yet, but after reading most of the comments here about it, I'm actually getting excited. Or maybe not excited, necessarily, but I anticipate there will be updates to franchise mode that we haven't seen yet.
If they are indeed using this mode to push people toward franchise, I would expect that to mean at least two things:
1. There will be quality of life updates for franchise mode. They emphasized that with DD, so we know they were already in the QOL mindset. Now this mode is being used (theoretically) as a way to lure new players into franchise. Those new players aren't probably going to be attracted by the tedium that sometimes comes with parts of the mode. My hope: Scouting is improved (extremely tedious to do yourself, ineffective to have on auto) and things like resigning minor leaguers is quicker.
2. This is step one in a long-term plan for franchise mode. If March to October works well, we could see franchise mode expanded with story lines in the future. That has the potential to be really cool if done correctly (and to do it correctly, it probably needs more than a single year of development, and MtO is a good way to take a small step in that direction).

I hope your right. I am pretty interested to try out this mode. Not as my long haul mode, but every year I struggle finding things to do with this game until a certain roster is released. I spend hours in batting practice getting ready to start my franchise. This might be a nice respite until I can start my Franchise because moments doesn't really do it for me. I might play this mode for a while and see if I can do few teams. I would be interested to see what the variety is from say a good team like the Yankees, to a middling team like the angels, all the way down to a poor team like the royals (sorry royals fans, you got your title lol).
I would love for them to have added these assets or some other cool features to franchise, I just honestly have been let down a few times so these past years so I am going in with no expectations. Thankfully this mode actually seems interesting and I am just happy they have added something, anything really that's main focus is not DD play or H2H.

There's a PS blog talking about MTO, there's a short clip of GM and Player specific missions... Shows 3 minor league players.
Would love to get confirmation on if we can use custom rosters (OSFM) in this mode.

The clips in the blog are quite interesting...It seems they are making this a Franchise-lite mode. Makes sense they would funnel you into full-fledged franchise mode now at the end of March to October, for sure.
Looks like, from that GM mission video clip in the blog, that you have the ability to pull the trigger on a slightly preset trade using minor league players to get either Jake Lamb, Billy Hamilton, or Kevin Pillar on the Giants. Above the players, it says "Trade Acquisition (Choose One Player)". Even though, under the players, it says "Not Interested in a Trade at this Time".
This is the specific clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=WEh8GAQ5kH4
So who knows what the actual mission for this is...but it does seem that there will be some opportunity to make changes to your team via trade, call ups, etc. It just seems it might involve a bit of hand-holding from the CPU.

I hope your right. I am pretty interested to try out this mode. Not as my long haul mode, but every year I struggle finding things to do with this game until a certain roster is released. I spend hours in batting practice getting ready to start my franchise. This might be a nice respite until I can start my Franchise because moments doesn't really do it for me. I might play this mode for a while and see if I can do few teams. I would be interested to see what the variety is from say a good team like the Yankees, to a middling team like the angels, all the way down to a poor team like the royals (sorry royals fans, you got your title lol).
I would love for them to have added these assets or some other cool features to franchise, I just honestly have been let down a few times so these past years so I am going in with no expectations. Thankfully this mode actually seems interesting and I am just happy they have added something, anything really that's main focus is not DD play or H2H.

I'll have you know the Royals have won six of seven World Series titles and increased their win total in each championship year, culminating in a record-setting 120-win season and undefeated postseason.

A few observations while watching...
1. The 6th inning of a 0-0 game on Opening Day is considered a "key moment"? How about playing the opening pitch? Makes me question the algorithm used to actually pick out the playable moments. And then a 3-1 game in the 6th inning was the second example? Not very inspiring.
2. I don't understand the latest chatter about how March to October mode leading into franchise mode makes so much sense. Because it makes no sense at all to me. March to October people are literally trying to avoid the depth and management, the time commitment, of franchise mode at all costs--which is exactly why Sony made this entirely different mode in the first place. I mean, the franchise mode that people have already roundly rejected is what literally caused this new mode to exist. It's like using a candy bar to get people that already hate eating broccoli (and think it's a total waste of time and also too green) to transition from the candy bar to broccoli at some point in the future just because you give them a stalk of broccoli after they've finished chowing down on the candy bar.
3. Story lines? Narrative? Did I miss that part? I saw them play part of a game for about 35 minutes with a season intro video before that and Heidi Watney providing some extremely generic sideline reporting (poor Heidi! First your player model is atrocious and now this). And then some simming, even though people not wanting to sim is the other reason why this mode was created. Did anyone see a narrative? Would we need to sample more games maybe to see it develop?
4. March to October is basically just critical situations extended to full season length and with some new cutscenes/videos added and some pack-opening-like animations mixed in. With a "perk" at the end to get your Pavlovian circuits firing.
5. Best thing about March to October was that win projection graph. And I guess the 30 team videos that you'd watch at the beginning.

A few observations while watching...
2. I don't understand the latest chatter about how March to October mode leading into franchise mode makes so much sense.

I guess, to me, it makes sense only because it seems you will have some opportunities to build a team with some Franchise-lite roster moves. So once you finish MTO, you can keep playing with the team you have become familiar with and take full control if you'd like.
But I 100% agree that this mode and the OG Franchise Mode are built for two completely different styles of gamers. I truly wonder how many players who finish MTO will legit continue into Franchise Mode, or just head back into DD with their team rewards.

After watching the video I am pleased what's the direction in the implementation. I really love the fact that after the 2019 storyline is over then you do get kicked in the franchise oh, I think that is a very immersive tactic because it would totally kill the mode if it was just your moments and the mode was over at the end of the year. I think it is a good alternative to use I've never used stock rosters since the PS2 days but now might be the time to get a little bit in with the stock default rosters. The storyline seem cool and keep you very in tune in immersive with your Seasons progress from moment to moment. I'm just very pleased that they kept us separate in its own mode rather than having an essay on off feature jumbled into a franchise or something like that.
Come on Show time!
Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

I know I’m going to like the show every year regardless but my anticipation level has been at an all time low this year. This actually kind of got me excited. Every year I try to get into RTTS and diamond dynasty to give myself a pleasant distraction from franchise but I can never get into them. I think this mode might scratch that itch.
also I’ have never played the game as anyone but the Blue Jays and something like this might actually give me the ambition to try another team.
i do wish that you could do custom rosters though. That will really impair my desire to continue in franchise.

3. Story lines? Narrative? Did I miss that part? I saw them play part of a game for about 35 minutes with a season intro video before that and Heidi Watney providing some extremely generic sideline reporting (poor Heidi! First your player model is atrocious and now this). And then some simming, even though people not wanting to sim is the other reason why this mode was created. Did anyone see a narrative? Would we need to sample more games maybe to see it develop?

and they better check the telemetry, people will smash the X button on those intro videos after seeing once. ;-)
For the story lines, if any, I'm afraid we'll always see the same pattern for each team.
And that poor Heidi. They used to do a great job with face scanning, no idea what happened here !!

I guess, to me, it makes sense only because it seems you will have some opportunities to build a team with some Franchise-lite roster moves. So once you finish MTO, you can keep playing with the team you have become familiar with and take full control if you'd like.
But I 100% agree that this mode and the OG Franchise Mode are built for two completely different styles of gamers. I truly wonder how many players who finish MTO will legit continue into Franchise Mode, or just head back into DD with their team rewards.

I sort of agree that this may be part of the intention to get folks more familiar with the game and team building and various aspects of MLB roster moves/expectations without having to be thrown into the full aspects of franchise, get used to it and possibly then continue on once you've gained that familiarity. I think of last year adding the phases or whatever it was called so that folks would be aware of what things needed to be done during and off the season to manage their teams. Knowing you can't send a guy with no options to AAA without him getting waived is not intuitive to folks who don't know baseball roster rules but just want to play the game of baseball, for example, and maybe this helps build on the learning. I know the first time I tried to play Fifa in a Champions league match years ago I knew nothing about the 'away goals' rule, thought I got a draw but found out I was eliminated. Then I went outside the game to learn those rules.
A question I would have would be if you add storylines to this mode but don't continue into franchise, would those new players get bored or lost again.

And what I am saying is for every team, regardless of their record, Heidi is going to say the exact same thing after 7 games. That is a problem.
For the winning streak not to be mentioned...its a problem.
Saying they need to win for the fans at home? That is a problem. They are 7-0. I think all the fans would understand if they lost. It just doesn't make sense.

I absolutely love the new presentation camera angles while the pitch is being selected.
Game looks good, as usual.
Also the defensive shield icons didn't bother me as much on the screen as I thought, but still hope the option is available to turn them off.

The one good thing Ramon said at the end was that March to October after the first season breaks into franchise mode. So the mode as for those who want to get past that first season in a quicker manner

The question is how many of the storylines are preset--like must win opening day. And how many are truly dynamic.
If there are too many preset or predetermined storylines that overlap regardless of the team the user picks, there won't be much replayability to this mode.

The question is how many of the storylines are preset--like must win home opening day. And how many are truly dynamic.
If there are too many preset or predetermined storylines that overlap regardless of the team the user picks, there won't be much replayability to this mode.

Watched the full video. And man I went from “meh could be fun” after the GameStop video to “oh man I can’t wait to play this” after this one. It looks super fun! The only thing that kind of bums me out is no custom rosters so any call ups during the season will be lame. I’d love if in coming years they find a way to expand on this. Give me some cross between this and traditional franchise and I’ll be in heaven.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I guess I just don't understand how their research can suggest that people just want to sim to the playoffs. Personally that is not the case for me (1800 played games over 10+ franchise season going back to MLB the Show 14 with the Y2Y saves) and I think this forum shows how many dedicated franchise users there are.
While this mode looks kinda cool, i know I wont play it because 100% of my time in any sports game is devoted to the franchise mode. Hopefully, these suggestion of people "just wanting to sim to the playoff" isn't gonna be used as justification to move away from upgrading that mode. That would be very disappointing and would lead me away from buying new version and would just continue to play the current version.

The question is how many of the storylines are preset--like must win opening day. And how many are truly dynamic.
If there are too many preset or predetermined storylines that overlap regardless of the team the user picks, there won't be much replayability to this mode.

My guess is that there will be a lot of redundancy between teams, especially teams in the same tier. All underdog teams will probably have nearly identical storylines.
It was a complaint that I had with "Storylines" in RTTS. They are not really storylines. Simply preset interactions with the manager and the coaches that happen for almost every player created, regardless of team or player position.

I guess, to me, it makes sense only because it seems you will have some opportunities to build a team with some Franchise-lite roster moves. So once you finish MTO, you can keep playing with the team you have become familiar with and take full control if you'd like.
But I 100% agree that this mode and the OG Franchise Mode are built for two completely different styles of gamers. I truly wonder how many players who finish MTO will legit continue into Franchise Mode, or just head back into DD with their team rewards.

Madden used their Play Now that use current data from that week in the season to move users into franchise play. This seems like a similar thing. Give you a taste, and then provide a way for you to take the team you have just been using into a Franchise mode.
The thing is, even in real life, interest in MLB, which results in better attendance and TV ratings, go u as the pennant chase heats up and post season takes to another level. Conventional wisdom here would be that you need to invest the time and energy in the day to day grind to really feel that, which goes against everything in real life.
This mode gets you there with very little grind, and puts you in the heat of the pennant race, and then post season. Honestly, it's more like an overcharged and awesome Playoff Mode. Why just place teams into the mode when you can watch it play out, and have you input affect seeding?
I think this a brilliant way to expose more fans to pennant chase and playoff baseball without forcing them to grind, and providing a story to the games they sim.

Next year’s research will reveal that players just want another game! It’s getting old to see them water down and basically focus on modes that mean little to us true baseball *sim players. *

Who are they talking to when they say we talked to people about what they want? No one on here. Where are these so called interviews happening? What forum on here discusses I want a dumbfound shortened version of Franchise? I see people asking for a more enhanced franchise. A rotating interleague schedule, A playable singe A. There isn't one place that asks for this March to October Mess. Fix the problems and address the issues that this forum asks for. Why have a wish list thread when you ignore it. Just curious where these so called interviews happen. So far everything new this year was waste of time and this years game is a simple roster update from 18 with a few new touches and a lot of wasted time on modes like March to October.

Next year’s research will reveal that players just want another game! It’s getting old to see them water down and basically focus on modes that mean little to us true baseball *sim players. *

If I am honest I have been amazed for years that "true baseball *sim players" are relying on a console game to provide an in depth strategy mode. A game where your skill with the controller and the difficulty you chose can greatly skew the "sim" aspects of the game. There are skilled gamers out there who could probably take the Orioles to the series with their current roster even on harder difficulty levels.
I am of the opinion that as soon as you give a controller to a player and allow that gamers skill level to override the players ratings and influence the outcome of the game that it is no longer a true sim.
And yes, I realize that will be an unpopular decision around here. And no, It is not a slam on the franchise mode in this game.

Next year’s research will reveal that players just want another game! It’s getting old to see them water down and basically focus on modes that mean little to us true baseball *sim players. *

I understand and respect your opinion but it really gets old reading thread after thread with people just complaining about how they aren’t focusing on the “true sim” players. I play almost exclusively franchise mode but like to dip into the other modes time to time, I barely finish a season all the way through before the next seasons game comes out, yea I would love for it to be as deep as possible but at the same time its pretty solid the way it is, yea a few things here and there would make it great but when you factor in the number of “true sim players” in comparison to the others that play franchise and like it mostly how it is and the other modes they like any company are going to focus where the money and most playing time is going. I mean if they just made an amazing franchise and allowed custom rosters why would anyone need to repurchase the game each year. I could just start a franchise and import players from the legendary roster creators here on OS. I think they do a great job of providing an experience that that allows all levels of MLB enthusiasts get the most out of the game and experience the magical game of baseball. The real life game is already suffering from lower attendance and interest as many of the new generation see it as slow and boring, lets not make the game the same way, even if that means its not 100% catered to “true sim players”, there are other options out there for that experience, which is why I also play OOTP. Again not coming at you or mean any disrespect its just every year on every thread its the same story.

I understand and respect your opinion but it really gets old reading thread after thread with people just complaining about how they aren’t focusing on the “true sim” players. I play almost exclusively franchise mode but like to dip into the other modes time to time, I barely finish a season all the way through before the next seasons game comes out, yea I would love for it to be as deep as possible but at the same time its pretty solid the way it is, yea a few things here and there would make it great but when you factor in the number of “true sim players” in comparison to the others that play franchise and like it mostly how it is and the other modes they like any company are going to focus where the money and most playing time is going. I mean if they just made an amazing franchise and allowed custom rosters why would anyone need to repurchase the game each year. I could just start a franchise and import players from the legendary roster creators here on OS. I think they do a great job of providing an experience that that allows all levels of MLB enthusiasts get the most out of the game and experience the magical game of baseball. The real life game is already suffering from lower attendance and interest as many of the new generation see it as slow and boring, lets not make the game the same way, even if that means its not 100% catered to “true sim players”, there are other options out there for that experience, which is why I also play OOTP. Again not coming at you or mean any disrespect its just every year on every thread its the same story.

Who are they talking to when they say we talked to people about what they want? No one on here. Where are these so called interviews happening? What forum on here discusses I want a dumbfound shortened version of Franchise? I see people asking for a more enhanced franchise. A rotating interleague schedule, A playable singe A. There isn't one place that asks for this March to October Mess. Fix the problems and address the issues that this forum asks for. Why have a wish list thread when you ignore it. Just curious where these so called interviews happen. So far everything new this year was waste of time and this years game is a simple roster update from 18 with a few new touches and a lot of wasted time on modes like March to October.

Personally I could give a rat's a** what anyone on this site thinks about me. It's the same s*** every year from you guys.
"Lol"

I honestly can't figure out what's funnier
The fact that you doubled down on your completely counter productive and uneccesary statement. Or the fact that you keep coming back to and posting on a forum that has a large franchise fan base and letting it get you bent out of shape. I think the shownation forums might be more your flavor my friend.

I understand and respect your opinion but it really gets old reading thread after thread with people just complaining about how they aren’t focusing on the “true sim” players. I play almost exclusively franchise mode but like to dip into the other modes time to time, I barely finish a season all the way through before the next seasons game comes out, yea I would love for it to be as deep as possible but at the same time its pretty solid the way it is, yea a few things here and there would make it great but when you factor in the number of “true sim players” in comparison to the others that play franchise and like it mostly how it is and the other modes they like any company are going to focus where the money and most playing time is going. I mean if they just made an amazing franchise and allowed custom rosters why would anyone need to repurchase the game each year. I could just start a franchise and import players from the legendary roster creators here on OS. I think they do a great job of providing an experience that that allows all levels of MLB enthusiasts get the most out of the game and experience the magical game of baseball. The real life game is already suffering from lower attendance and interest as many of the new generation see it as slow and boring, lets not make the game the same way, even if that means its not 100% catered to “true sim players”, there are other options out there for that experience, which is why I also play OOTP. Again not coming at you or mean any disrespect its just every year on every thread its the same story.

What I don't understand about mlbts spending developer time on the sim users is they have phenomenal graphics and spend a lot of time on motion capture animations. By far the best graphics of any baseball game. As you said OOTP has a great sim mode with a relatively tiny fan base.
They can and will spend developer time on whatever they want without my input but it seems odd to me for a game this beautiful on the field to spend time on sim mode. Do a lot of people actually sim the game or do the people who sim the game just make more noise and therefore get more attention?

I understand and respect your opinion but it really gets old reading thread after thread with people just complaining about how they aren’t focusing on the “true sim” players. I play almost exclusively franchise mode but like to dip into the other modes time to time, I barely finish a season all the way through before the next seasons game comes out, yea I would love for it to be as deep as possible but at the same time its pretty solid the way it is, yea a few things here and there would make it great but when you factor in the number of “true sim players” in comparison to the others that play franchise and like it mostly how it is and the other modes they like any company are going to focus where the money and most playing time is going. I mean if they just made an amazing franchise and allowed custom rosters why would anyone need to repurchase the game each year. I could just start a franchise and import players from the legendary roster creators here on OS. I think they do a great job of providing an experience that that allows all levels of MLB enthusiasts get the most out of the game and experience the magical game of baseball. The real life game is already suffering from lower attendance and interest as many of the new generation see it as slow and boring, lets not make the game the same way, even if that means its not 100% catered to “true sim players”, there are other options out there for that experience, which is why I also play OOTP. Again not coming at you or mean any disrespect its just every year on every thread its the same story.

No disrespect but here's what I have a problem with what you said.
Just because you do not have the time or find it important doesn't mean other people don't. The people complaining about people complaining about franchise is getting just as annoying as the people complaining about franchise.
Yes OOTP is a viable option for sim heads. Except one problem. You don't play any actual games. If I wanted to stare at words on the screen or watch a simcast version of a game then OOTP would be my cup of tea. Unfortunately it's not. You act like there is a comparable option to the show for sim heads and there just isn't. Sorry.

No disrespect but here's what I have a problem with what you said.
Just because you do not have the time or find it important doesn't mean other people don't. The people complaining about people complaining about franchise is getting just as annoying as the people complaining about franchise.
Yes OOTP is a viable option for sim heads. Except one problem. You don't play any actual games. If I wanted to stare at words on the screen or watch a simcast version of a game then OOTP would be my cup of tea. Unfortunately it's not. You act like there is a comparable option to the show for sim heads and there just isn't. Sorry.
A lot of you complaining about the franchise guys complaining don't even take the time to put yourself in their shoes. We are talking about a mode that has been largely ignored for 5 years. Imagine if your favorite mode got ignored for 5 years or completely removed all together (season mode). You would be one of the people complaining.
OS has a huge franchise fanbase and that is the way it has always been. The majority of this forum used to be franchise users. That has changed a bit and I welcome the change because it gives balance to this forum. There is a lot of good DD guys on this forum and I respect their opinions.

I am a huge franchise guy, as its the only mode I play and I understand the frustration.
The problem is threads like this aren't the place to post those frustrations. This thread shouldn't be filled with a discussion about how franchise mode is being ignored, what should be added, nor anything of the like.
If one wants to post their frustration about the lack of attention to franchise mode then create a thread for that purpose.
You don't have to continually go into threads about other game modes, and turn it into a thread about the lack of attention to franchise mode.
Here...one has been createdhttps://forums.operationsports.com/forums/mlb-show/947885-lack-attention-franchise-mode-thoughts.html

March to October features that should have stayed in Franchise.
1. The Tier projections, great idea and I love the potential of that feature if it's part of the presentation package like commentary and OSD's.
2. Projections, you start as an underdog and as the season progress your tier change based on your record from underdog to longshot.
3. Would have been a great addition to "Critical Situations" when simulating. Imagine simming a game or 2 and you get a "critical situation/moment" telling you this is a momentum changing event like stay in the playoff hunt or do you want to continue to sim or jump in on this critical situation/moment".
4. On the calendar when simming the momentum changing colors blue or red should be there as a highlight to show that you simmed those games and how it affected your momentum. So you get an immediate ocular response on the calendar which games you simmed.

I am a huge franchise guy, as its the only mode I play and I understand the frustration.
The problem is threads like this aren't the place to post those frustrations. This thread shouldn't be filled with a discussion about how franchise mode is being ignored, what should be added, nor anything of the like.
If one wants to post their frustration about the lack of attention to franchise mode then create a thread for that purpose.
You don't have to continually go into threads about other game modes, and turn it into a thread about the lack of attention to franchise mode.
Here...one has been createdhttps://forums.operationsports.com/forums/mlb-show/947885-lack-attention-franchise-mode-thoughts.html

Agreed country boy. And I will refrain from anymore franchise talk in this thread from here on out.

Needing attention doesn’t mean watered down. Watered down implies they’re removing and simplifying the mode which they aren’t. Just semantics but I’m a dick like that haha
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I now see how it all has tried to be turned into a ("Design Philosophy") somethings you just cannot recreate in different circumstances!
I hope they remodel the female announcers hair in a patch! Hire a FREELANCER! who can 3D model!

Excited to see info on franchise mode, tomorrow right? But this mode is intriguing to me, as it will make me try new teams. And as a franchise player, I do sim a lot of games to get through multiple seasons
Sent from my iPad using Operation Sports

Put me in the boat of people that like to sim and just play the playoffs in franchise mode.
I know there’s a playoff mode, but it’s not the same.
I like a season to play out dynamically, and then go through the offseason and head to the playoffs the next season after simming.
So many of you are gatekeeping franchise mode like there’s only one way to play. Newsflash; we don’t all have time to play 2000+ hours of franchise mode to finish a season, it’s not possible for a lot of us.
So before you all go ****ting on people who like to play differently than you, realize anyone can play and spend their time whatever way they want.
I absolutely believe SDS research is telling them these things. The baseball elitists here at OS aren’t the only ones who play the game. Get over yourselves.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Put me in the boat of people that like to sim and just play the playoffs in franchise mode.
I know there’s a playoff mode, but it’s not the same.
I like a season to play out dynamically, and then go through the offseason and head to the playoffs the next season after simming.
So many of you are gatekeeping franchise mode like there’s only one way to play. Newsflash; we don’t all have time to play 2000+ hours of franchise mode to finish a season, it’s not possible for a lot of us.
So before you all go ****ting on people who like to play differently than you, realize anyone can play and spend their time whatever way they want.
I absolutely believe SDS research is telling them these things. The baseball elitists here at OS aren’t the only ones who play the game. Get over yourselves.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

This type of post is still not needed. Started off great and then goes off a cliff.

I like the new dynamic pre pitch camera angles. Hope they are in for all modes. But I also see myself stepping off of the rubber often, as I might not know what pitch I want to throw until I see the hot and cold zones for a batter.

I like the idea of it, but I'm not a fan of the cameras. I'm one of those people who, outside of gameplay cameras (for the sake of hitting and possibly fielding), prefers the idea of stationary cameras planted around the stadium. I know many others wouldn't feel the same.
The blimp shots were sexy though.

I like the idea of it, but I'm not a fan of the cameras. I'm one of those people who, outside of gameplay cameras (for the sake of hitting and possibly fielding), prefers the idea of stationary cameras planted around the stadium. I know many others wouldn't feel the same.
The blimp shots were sexy though.

I have to agree. I like the cameras to look like actual angles you’d see on a broadcast and these really don’t. I’m fine with these new cameras for modes such as RTTS and this since they’re going for more of a player-immersion feel in those modes as opposed to a broadcast feel, but I hope they aren’t the new standard broadcast angles for other modes. I haven’t had a chance to watch all the footage, and I know Ramone said you could adjust how often they appear, but I don’t know if that’s only for this mode?

I hope for your guys’ sake that you can adjust them, but I really like the new camera angles for pre pitch. Injects some life and style into a game that’s getting a little bland with presentation and whatnot. And it also shows off the beautiful visuals and paints the scene somewhat of what is occurring. I hate when these sports games put all of this time into great venues and graphics and then don’t show them off properly. So I’ll be using these probably as much as possible. I just don’t like that I can’t see the hot and cold zones before each batter without stepping off, it appears.

I hope for your guys’ sake that you can adjust them, but I really like the new camera angles for pre pitch. Injects some life and style into a game that’s getting a little bland with presentation and whatnot. And it also shows off the beautiful visuals and paints the scene somewhat of what is occurring. I hate when these sports games put all of this time into great venues and graphics and then don’t show them off properly. So I’ll be using these probably as much as possible.

I guess you missed the first part of my post where I said I like the idea of them, I just don't like the cameras they chose per se. On the field, free-moving, lots of bokeh everywhere. Not something you'd see on TV, so to speak. That's where I say: different strokes.
The idea is great, though. I used to think about having these all the time, and the problem always was "But you have to be ready for the pitch/to pitch." Meh, you can let some things happen in between as well.
Anyway, Ramone said these would show up more often in "key moments" or whatever (so they probably showed up a lot here because we entered the game from the March to October mode, as if they chose a "key moment" for us), but I think it would just make more sense if they showed it all the time as if it was an actual TV broadcast anyway. Not my favorite angles, but I don't see why they wouldn't always do it. Since you can adjust the frequency of their occurrence however, you'll see me likely turning it off because of the stylistic choices. I always love them choices.
That being said... why do we still not have a choice for dynamic defensive camera on offense, and why do we still not have an option to tweak the "big white ball" setting when on offense or when the ball is in play? Options are good, and not allowing us these two ones in particular is a bit of a thorn in my side.

This type of post is still not needed. Started off great and then goes off a cliff.

Gosens6

Put me in the boat of people that like to sim and just play the playoffs in franchise mode.
I know there’s a playoff mode, but it’s not the same.
I like a season to play out dynamically, and then go through the offseason and head to the playoffs the next season after simming.
So many of you are gatekeeping franchise mode like there’s only one way to play. Newsflash; we don’t all have time to play 2000+ hours of franchise mode to finish a season, it’s not possible for a lot of us.
So before you all go ****ting on people who like to play differently than you, realize anyone can play and spend their time whatever way they want.
I absolutely believe SDS research is telling them these things. The baseball elitists here at OS aren’t the only ones who play the game. Get over yourselves.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

2000 hours? Playing a season does not require devoting what amounts to a full time job for a calendar year. Lets not over exaggerate how long it takes to complete an entire 162 game with playoff season. I've played multiple seasons per game over the last 5 versions and haven't spent close to that amount of time. Honestly, I might give you 200 hours per season and even that seems a little high. For me using quick count, a game takes about 45 minutes or so. Playing every game that amounts to about 120 hours per season. Usually it takes me about 2 and half months to complete a full season. Thats with a full time job and playing about 2-3 games a day (sometimes more, sometimes less). IMO, Year to Year saves have made this process worth it. Without that feature, I know i wouldnt have played that much.
If you don't want to play that much it's beyond cool and hopefully this new mode fulfills your baseball needs. Lets just not act like guys playing entire seasons are devoting a ridiculous amount of time like 2000+ hours on it.

I would like the mode better if you could make trades and there were injuries. Mid season pickups and injuries are always big in regards to how the season progresses.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I would like the mode better if you could make trades and there were injuries. Mid season pickups and injuries are always big in regards to how the season progresses.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

So, if there’s a blockbuster trade(s) during the season you’re stuck with the original roster?

2000 hours? Playing a season does not require devoting what amounts to a full time job for a calendar year. Lets not over exaggerate how long it takes to complete an entire 162 game with playoff season. I've played multiple seasons per game over the last 5 versions and haven't spent close to that amount of time. Honestly, I might give you 200 hours per season and even that seems a little high. For me using quick count, a game takes about 45 minutes or so. Playing every game that amounts to about 120 hours per season. Usually it takes me about 2 and half months to complete a full season. Thats with a full time job and playing about 2-3 games a day (sometimes more, sometimes less). IMO, Year to Year saves have made this process worth it. Without that feature, I know i wouldnt have played that much.
If you don't want to play that much it's beyond cool and hopefully this new mode fulfills your baseball needs. Lets just not act like guys playing entire seasons are devoting a ridiculous amount of time like 2000+ hours on it.

Should I go back and quote the posters chastising others who say they play 1500 to 2000+ hours playing every game in their franchises? I'm not just going to make it up.
You can all keep gatekeeping franchise mode. Have fun!

I've always played a series and then simmed the next all the way through my franchise. It allows me to get through multiple seasons with still having felt like my team's stats and success are dictated by me actually playing the games.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

They utterly neglected franchise mode for this trash. They completely ignored franchise mode in a sports game. Think about that.

Completely?
We know that the added contract extensions and that they now have real contract values in the games. There isn't a single one of us who has any idea how much time or effort went in to those two items, especially if they had to change the underlying financial systems to get them in.
Completely ignoring it would not have even gotten you those changes.

Should I go back and quote the posters chastising others who say they play 1500 to 2000+ hours playing every game in their franchises? I'm not just going to make it up.
You can all keep gatekeeping franchise mode. Have fun!

Well, then I question that number of hours. Real MLBer don’t spend more that 600 hours playing 162 real games at 3 and a half hours a pop. All I’m saying is it doesn’t require 40 hours a week for 50 weeks to play a full franchise season on mlb the show. If that makes me a “franchise gatekeeper” so be it.

Should I go back and quote the posters chastising others who say they play 1500 to 2000+ hours playing every game in their franchises? I'm not just going to make it up.
You can all keep gatekeeping franchise mode. Have fun!

Playing through a game is, if we round it off, about 1 hour. So playing through a full season is 162 hours. Add in the amount of time doing other things in the mode and you would maybe top out at 200 but that is probably even on the high side.
But, that is a still a pretty large time investment for many to get through just one season.

Completely?
We know that the added contract extensions and that they now have real contract values in the games. There isn't a single one of us who has any idea how much time or effort went in to those two items, especially if they had to change the underlying financial systems to get them in.
Completely ignoring it would not have even gotten you those changes.

Wow! Forgive me. Two of the tiniest additions.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Wow! Forgive me. Two of the tiniest additions.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

My point is that what seems like the tiniest of additions for the end users may have been huge undertakings for the developers. Just because things seem easy from the outside does not mean the actually are easy.
So your statement that it was completely ignored is false.

Wow! Forgive me. Two of the tiniest additions.
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

This is about more than superficially editing contract numbers to existing players - it wouldn't mean anything unless the logic was reworked to allow the CPU teams to make those megadeals in future years down a franchise.
That is in no way "tiny".
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

This is about more than superficially editing contract numbers to existing players - it wouldn't mean anything unless the logic was reworked to allow the CPU teams to make those megadeals in future years down a franchise.
That is in no way "tiny".
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Let's be fair, we hope it's about more than superficially editing contract numbers to existing players. We don't actually know that they've gone in and changed the system to make it work properly yet, but it would be surprising if they hadn't

Playing through a game is, if we round it off, about 1 hour. So playing through a full season is 162 hours. Add in the amount of time doing other things in the mode and you would maybe top out at 200 but that is probably even on the high side.
But, that is a still a pretty large time investment for many to get through just one season.

Confession:
I've never finished a 162 game season ever. Furthest I got was mid-august but then I couldn't carry over the 2015 season to Mlb 17.

Let's be fair, we hope it's about more than superficially editing contract numbers to existing players. We don't actually know that they've gone in and changed the system to make it work properly yet, but it would be surprising if they hadn't

If they didn't change the system franchise mode is absolutely dead this year
Sent from my Z971 using Tapatalk

I truly want to know what's the deal with changeups. Why are the upper 80s changeups borderline outlawed in The Show now? We had them in either 15 or 16, and now they appear to be legit gone.
In the vid, Greinke throws an 83mph changeup below the zone at https://youtu.be/gXQ9onYLDKY?t=614 then a middle middle 85mph changeup gets hammered to third at https://youtu.be/gXQ9onYLDKY?t=672 -- then another 85mph changeup at https://youtu.be/gXQ9onYLDKY?t=738, but this one is down in the zone.
Greinke doesn't have much velo separation (anymore) between his 4-seamer, sinker, and changeup. Which are 90mph, 90mph, and 87mph on average last season. Two 85's and a 83 in succession doesn't feel like the average velocity for the pitch is much higher than 84 - which doesn't replicate Greinke's repertoire.
Did the devs address this and I just missed it, or are we still flying blind with the changeup issue?
Especially after they went out of their way to highlight how secondary pitches won't be as OP anymore, yet it seems as if a near half-decade inexplicable legacy issue lives on.
What are we sacrificing realistic changeups for - like, what does their implementation prevent? That's the only rationale I can come up with, but I think they should let us know instead of continuing to "not" "notice" it.

My point is that what seems like the tiniest of additions for the end users may have been huge undertakings for the developers. Just because things seem easy from the outside does not mean the actually are easy.
So your statement that it was completely ignored is false.

So you're happy with how they handled franchise mode for 2019?
Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Completely?
We know that the added contract extensions and that they now have real contract values in the games. There isn't a single one of us who has any idea how much time or effort went in to those two items, especially if they had to change the underlying financial systems to get them in.